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There’s no question that being a manager is difficult. Managers spend countless hours attending meetings, designing presentations and understanding data. As a manager, you are responsible for the well-being and career progression of your employees. These responsibilities, among others, can seem overwhelming.

 

Being a successful manager requires patience and strong leadership abilities, not to mention empathy and resourcefulness. This makes for a tall order, even for experienced managers.

 

Here are five ways to become a better manager for your team:

 

Learn Names and Faces

 

Learning the names of your employees is an obvious way to earn their respect. But you can go even further.

 

Every one of your employees has a network of friends and family. These connections outside the workplace have a significant impact on the actions of your employees inside the workplace.

 

Take a moment to remember the names and faces of spouses, children and parents. Your memory can make a significant difference in the level of trust you share with your employee.

 

Hold Productive and Personal Meetings

 

It’s essential to hold personal meetings with every member of your staff at least once every three to six months. Giving your staff time is far more valuable than speaking briefly on the floor. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss career growth, possible improvements and wage requirements.

 

However, while holding each meeting matters, you should also make these meetings productive. Take at least one improvement your employee has requested and, if possible, make it. There’s no easier way to show you’ve been listening.

 

Find Your Motivation

 

All employees are motivated by different things. Many staff members are motivated by money. Others give more precedence to affordable healthcare, maternity and paternity leave, paid holidays and vacation time.

 

Speak openly with your team about their wants, needs and goals – then use your power to provide motivation. Can you improve your benefits package? Can you create company-sponsored events centered around family and friends?

 

Provide Constructive Criticism

 

There are two types of criticism – destructive and constructive. For best results, focus solely on constructive. This form of criticism is empathetic, direct and impersonal.

 

Remember, you haven’t employed unqualified people simply because you’ve seen performance issues. Employees are only as knowledgeable as their manager. Share your expertise and your advice, and you’ll be fine.

 

Focus on Leadership

 

There are managers and there are leaders. You want to be the latter.

 

Leaders are best exemplified by their knowledge, kindness and strength. Managers are often described as bossy, mean or strict. When you act like a leader, your employees will treat you like one.

 

Looking for your next team member?

At Sage Staffing, we have years of experience in pairing employees and contractors with the right company. Contact our representatives to learn more.

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